Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1887-09-26

human and the brute. Inc ueO
of reason is very essential, but It's
deficiency among the masses is de-
I plorabIe. Man may justly boast
that he possesses reason, but we
often find the instinct of the brute
to lie used with far better results.
Not that mans power of reasoning
Is deficient but that he does not
use this power to its full extent.
Only by active exercise of this d.
vinely bestowed faculty can self
dependence be acquired; only that
mind which reasons for itself will
attain sufficient strength to stand
alone, unpropped by the thoughts
and actions of others. This strength
mist be acquired unless we are con-
tent to creep through life instead OF
walking boldly forward to success,
and mental firmness will produce
physical firmness, because of a con-
seriousness of right.
History, religion and politics fur
nish us with numberless examples
where self-dependence has won VIC
tories which have prevented the ruin
and downfall of cities, families and
the church. History tells us how
500 b. c., Horatius, at the head of
vast and magnificent army, alone
stood firm and resisted the enemy,
how he defied the enemy's threaten
/ ing hosts aad maintained his posi-
ton until nothing but vast ex-
panse of water rolled between him
and his native shore, he plunged
into the Tiber and saved Rome.
Almost seven centuries later we are
told how Luther rose i'll opposition
10 papal power and alone fought
the religious contest. How the in
dependence of this man, his zeal
and courage awakened IA new spirit
IN the masses which strengthened
and spread long after Luther ceas-
ed to exist, md with reverence we
look back upon one who dared to
stand alone in his opinions, inde-
pendent of the ruling power. A
little more than a century ago we
find this same principle taking hold
of and welding its influence over
the American mind, gaining
strength through oppression until
English letters were broke, English
authority trampled under foot, and
our own beloved America stood forth
conqueror, alone in her rights and
forever independent. Every ad-
ministration must have a govern
ment, which has its origin in thought;
hence we see the absolute necessity
of individuals under its control to
have and express opinions of their
own, and MUD that will not be
led, but will reason for itself as to
right and wrong and march beneath
that standard upon which Is grav
en- mot party, but principles
Man is never infallible, conse-
quently those who follow blindly
and unquestioningly the precepts
of their teachers are sometimes led
into error; and perhaps, to this may
be attributed the great sectarian
diversity. With far more satisfac-
tory results might we ourselves
search for truths contained in the
Divine Word, for our inner being
would become strengthened with
new and beautiful thoughts, which
were never before appreciated,
thoughts which become ours by
right of discovery, and bring US
nearer the fountain of faith. Our
country is considered a free coun-
try, and our people free people, |
but never until We, as individuals,
can feel and show our independence,
eau throw off the baneful influence |
of public opinion and stand alone
for truth and right, will we be free.
Through this daily self-dependence
strength will be acquired, until the
staff now used may be cast aside as
HILL